ISLAMABAD/LONDON (Dunya News) – Cambridge International Education has confirmed that an A Level Mathematics examination paper was leaked prior to the scheduled test, affecting candidates in Pakistan and across multiple regions, including South Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
In an official statement, the board said that AS Level Mathematics Paper 12 (9709) had been shared in breach of regulations before the examination took place. The paper was administered simultaneously across several countries, raising concerns over fairness and the integrity of the assessment process.
The confirmation follows reports that the paper appeared on social media approximately six hours before the exam on Wednesday. Cambridge stated that it is treating the matter with urgency and has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the scale and source of the leak.
The organisation said it is currently assessing how widely the material was circulated and working to determine appropriate next steps. It emphasised that protecting candidates from any disadvantage remains its primary priority, while ensuring the credibility of the examination system is upheld.
Candidates have been advised to continue preparing for upcoming examinations and to attend them as scheduled. Cambridge noted that decisions regarding any remedial measures will be taken by senior and experienced experts once all facts have been established.
The board reiterated that breaches of examination integrity are rare, but where evidence of malpractice is found, appropriate action is taken against those involved, including examination centres and candidates where necessary. It added that maintaining trust in the grading system is essential for universities and other institutions relying on these results.
Cambridge International Education is expected to provide a further update on Thursday, 7 May 2026, as investigations into the incident continue.